Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
New Multi-mission Sky Guardian UAS Is More Than a Strike Drone
The latest iteration of the Predator B UAS has a longer wingspan with greater endurance and payload capacity
The Certifiable Predator B is shown on its first flight Nov. 17, 2016 near Palmdale, California. [Photo: GA-ASI]
The Certifiable Predator B is shown on its first flight Nov. 17, 2016 near Palmdale, California. [Photo: GA-ASI]

The unmanned aircraft system (UAS) commonly known as the Predator B or MQ-9 Reaper is a multi-mission platform that is capable of more than those monikers suggest, says manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). In fact, with the aircraft’s latest iteration, the U.S. company hopes to retire those names.